The Hollywoodbets Work Riders certification presentation in partnership with Cape Racing was held on Wednesday 12 April 2023 at the Milnerton Training Centre.
The event honoured the hardworking graduates who completed the program which is aimed at upskilling and improving the performance of grooms and enabling them to become work riders.
Congratulations and celebrations! Riding Master Craig Du Plooy stands tall at the rear as the happy graduates and sponsors pose for the photographer (Pic – Cape Racing)
Former professional rider Craig du Plooy and Tania Van Eck of Hollywoodbets were present to host and celebrate the graduates, who are now equipped with the necessary skills to compete in the Work Riders Series in the Cape.
Two groups graduated as part of the first classes to complete the course for 2023, one class consisting of riders from the LKP Ladies race and the second being the Hollywoodbets Groom School class.
The graduates for the first class for 2023 included Colinda Austin, Aviwe Bikwe, Ntando Maqelana, Kim Meaker, Mbusi Mntiki, Simamkele Mxothwa, Mzolisi Njengele, and Helen Richardson, who meet the conditions required to ride in the work riders’ races.
Aviwe Bikwe proucly shows off his certificate as Hollywoodbets’ Tania van Eck and Craig du Plooy join him in the happy moment (Pic – Cape Racing)
At the same instance, Julia Pilbeam, Em Finneym, Chelsea Wilson and Lily Jamieson received certificates of acknowledgement.
Proud graduate Simamkele Mxothwa, younger brother of leading jockey Luyolo Mxothwa, expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating that success in the Work Riders course meant everything to him.
“I am one step closer to my dream, and it feels like I am already in the race. My brother has been an inspiration and influence on me throughout this journey, teaching me and inspiring me to always go beyond and reach my dreams,” he enthused.
Julia Pilbeam is a veteran of the racing community and here she displays her certificate in the company of Tania van Eck and Craig du Plooy (Pic – Cape Racing)
The certification program focuses on equine education and drills to improve riding technique, whilst also building physical stamina.
Craig du Plooy provides the coaching and schooling to improve the holistic riding skills of work riders.
The program also improves communication in terms of feedback, thus enhancing the work rider’s role.
Emma Finney takes the equiciser through its paces as the team looks on (Pic – Cape Racing)
Most of the Cape work riders also work as grooms in the various yards, dedicating their lunch hours and time outside of their work to underscore their integral contribution to the operation.
The Hollywoodbets Work Riders Certification Program is a significant milestone for aspiring work riders as strategic stakeholder in the multi-faceted horseracing industry.
Hollywoodbets is proud to be part of this important initiative.
- Media release by Cape Racing.
